The Unexpected Item You Can Only Find At A Select Few Chick-Fil-A Locations

When it comes to quality fast-casual dining establishments, Chick-fil-A sets the bar pretty high. This chain restaurant is well-known for its tasty chicken sandwiches, as well as the kindness of its workers. Decorum is so important at the establishment that staff are instructed to say "my pleasure" whenever thanked by customers. The chain is also unique in that all locations are closed on Sunday, which was originally intended as a way to honor the Christian faith of its founder, S.Truett Cathy.

While Chick-fil-A has received criticism for some of its practices over the years, there's no denying the establishment is loved by many. For five years in a row, the restaurant earned top marks on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, ranking first place with a score of 83 out of 100 when it comes to diner enjoyment. When pondering what's so great about the chain, customers have lots to appreciate. From fresh ingredients to the insistence on quality, Chick-fil-A knows what a fast-casual establishment needs to be a success. They also offer a surprising menu item, but only at certain locations.

Chick-fil-A was actually preceded by another establishment, the Dwarf Grill (which eventually became the Dwarf House). Two decades before opening Chick-fil-A, S. Truett Cathy launched the original Dwarf Grill location in Atlanta, Georgia. The restauranteur proved to be immensely skilled in his profession, as Chick-fil-A is now considered an unrivaled success when compared to other chains specializing in chicken. To honor his many achievements, Cathy recreated the Dwarf Grill (aka the Dwarf House), in 1986, with more locations to follow.

Visitors to the Dwarf House are greeted by a quaint duplication of the original restaurant, complete with a lunch counter for busy diners. As for the menu, Dwarf House locations offer the same tasty items available in standard Chick-fil-A locations, such as chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries. However, Dwarf House also offers specialty items that can't be found anywhere else. In addition to cornbread and green beans, visitors can also enjoy fried okra during their visit. This delightful southern comfort food is not only tasty, but it also has a long and interesting history.

Though it may be surprising, okra is actually categorized as a fruit, or more precisely the seed pod of a plant that is indigenous to Ethiopia. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasted, grilled, and sauteed. Okra is well-known for its mucilage, a gelatinous substance produced by numerous plants. Because the slick texture of mucilage can be off-putting for some, okra is often coated with breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.

If you're inspired to make okra at home, there are a few methods you can use to help you cut back on the mucilage. When choosing okra pods for cooking, prioritize smaller, thinner pods that are no larger than your pinky finger. In addition to reducing the amount of mucilage, smaller okra pods are also softer with a more pleasing texture. Also, consider soaking the pods in vinegar for about 30 minutes before you cook them, as vinegar's high acidity helps cut back on the mucilage. When cooking, high heat is your friend, which is why frying is so effective for making the tastiest okra possible. By the same token, only cook a small number of pods each time to ensure the temperature on your stovetop or within your oven remains high. These steps ensure that you're privy to great flavors and pleasant textures when enjoying this southern delicacy.